Edinburgh - JDF thanks Lady Affleck for sending him a report of WW's sermon given at St. Paul's cathedral: 'I notice the strong hint you give about the regime of Public Schools. But can we find better education? Even if not, that does not hinder us from improving the best we have got. As one's sons grow up, the thought of educating them well becomes a very anxious one. Training has no doubt great weight. Example even more. But the result of my observation leads me to attribute more to physical constitution than I used to do, and this of course applies to races'. The new Scottish Universities Act gives certain important powers to the Senior Principal of the University, under St. Andrew's regulations he is the junior. Does WW think George Stokes would apply for his professorship at Edinburgh when he vacates it - 'the commissioners will make it worth about £600'.
Royal Observatory Greenwich - GA understands that the Prince and Princess of Wales will be visiting Cambridge on the same day of the Visitation of the Royal Observatory. Presumably this means WW, James Challis, John C. Adams and George Stokes will not be able to attend, making the meeting a 'rather a lame one'.
Stokes was appointed Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge in 1849, a post he retained until his death in 1903.
Observatory, Armagh.—Will come and see him, unless something unforeseen arises.
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Transcript
Observatory Armagh
4th Septr 1876
My dear Thomson,
I have just got your telegram. I was nearly on a balance and your telegram makes the go side preponderate; at least unless some unforeseen hitch arises. So I will say expect me unless you get a telegram to the Contrary. I hope you have not kept for me anything but the smallest room at your disposal as I come alone.
I intend to go by the later Mail boat and stick to it (i.e. not go by rail from Greenock) so as not to get in inconveniently early.
Yours sincerely
G. G. Stokes
Correspondence inscribed 'Letters from guests at Sir George Stokes' Jubilee June 1st and 2nd 1899'.